Community members who received food parcels at BB Zondani hall recently expressed dissatisfaction with what they claim is a diminishing quantity of food they receive from the South African Social Security Services (SASSA).
Community members who received food parcels at BB Zondani hall recently expressed dissatisfaction with what they claim is a diminishing quantity of food they receive from the South African Social Security Services (SASSA).
The residents are expected to sign forms which indicate that they were there to collect food to the value of R1 270 – but they claim they are being ripped off.
A Xolani man who says he depends on the food parcels to feed his children said there was no way that the food they were given could amount to R1 270.
Sidima Madolwana said the fact that he could managed to fit all of the food he was given in a wheelbarrow proves it's unlikely of the food is worth that amount.
A woman who also received food from the hall on Thursday said the food they collect just keeps shrinking and they were not sure who was responsible for making sure they are given the food that's due to them.
The document the recipients of the food parcels were given to sign reads as follows: "Your application for social relief of distress has been approved. You will receive a food parcel to the value of R1 270.00."
Provincial SASSA spokesman Luzuko Qina was not available to answer questions regarding this issue at the time of going to press.
Yesterday, Qina said he had not received an email sent to him on Tuesday and asked that Grocott's Mail resend it.
However, once the email was resent, Qina could not be reached on his phone for a response.
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is a scheme by which the government assists those in need of relief, according to a previous statement from Qina.
He explained that any citizen in distress could apply for this provision from their offices.
He emphasised that this is not a provision for people who are unemployed – only for those who are in distress.
"Some citizens misunderstand SRD and believe that it is meant for the unemployed, yet it is not.
SRD is available all year round for those who meet the criteria," he said. anele@grocotts.co.za
